Assistant Professor of Sociology, University of Wisconsin-Madison

We invite applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of (advanced) assistant professor in the fields of demography, sociology of population, and health beginning in August of 2027. This position is part of the Wisconsin Research, Innovation and Scholarly Excellence (RISE) Initiative, which addresses complex societal challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration, research infrastructure enhancement, and student opportunities.

About the role

The successful candidate will join the Department of Sociology and have an active role in the Center for Demography and Ecology, contributing to cooperative, multi-disciplinary research and training in population science. They will advance the educational mission of the College of Letters & Science through evidence-based, student-centered teaching and mentoring, fostering engagement and a sense of belonging for faculty, staff, students, and the broader community.

The College of Letters & Science values excellence in teaching, mentoring, research, and service, with a commitment to shared governance and innovative classroom practices. The successful candidate will proactively support the college’s mission and participate in the RISE-THRIVE initiative, which bolsters interdisciplinary health research integrating quantitative, qualitative, and community-engaged methods.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in demography, sociology of population, and health using demographic and statistical methods.
• Pursue and lead NICHD-funded research, demonstrating a track record or strong potential for securing funding.
• Teach and mentor undergraduate students using evidence-based, student-centered approaches.
• Contribute to an inclusive and equity-centered teaching, learning, mentoring, and research environment.
• Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration across departments and research centers, including the Center for Demography and Ecology, Center for Demography of Health and Aging, and Center for Healthy Minds.
• Participate in the RISE community through seminars, colloquia, and collaborative projects.

Requirements

• PhD in Sociology or a related field, completed prior to the start of the appointment.
• Research focus in demography, sociology of population, and health or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated creativity and excellence in teaching and scholarly research.
• Evidence of either a history of or potential to successfully pursue and lead NICHD-funded research.
• Experience with or ability to foster an inclusive and equity-centered academic environment.
• Potential for interdisciplinary collaboration across departments and research centers.

Application materials

Applicants must submit the following through UW-Madison’s online application system:

• Letter of application
• Curriculum vitae
• Teaching and mentoring statement (created by the applicant, including goals, action plans, reflection, and supporting documentation)
• A writing sample of roughly 35 pages

For full consideration, all materials must be received by 11:59 PM on September 4th, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Finalists will be asked to provide contact information for three references, who will receive an electronic link to upload a signed letter of reference.